[Community-service] Seeking ideas for the communityservicegroupseminar at national convention

Peter Donahue pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com
Wed Feb 19 23:34:21 UTC 2014


Hello 
Darian and everyone,

With all the difficulties blind people have with these two issues any and all divisions and affiliates of the NFB need to lend a hand in resolving it. Sure let's encourage the blind to become involved in community activities but let's not neglect the needs of our own members and others needing these services and who have reached the end of their ropes with trying to secure them through other channels.

Peter Donahue


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Darian Smith 
  To: Community Service Discussion List 
  Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 3:44 PM
  Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the communityservicegroupseminar at national convention


  Hi peter,
   this is a good idea indeed.
   I think  finding  the people to partner with you would be the first  thing  to do.
   someone mentioned working  with the Jernigan institute  to see about the chances of this happening, and I think that if  a group of people came to the institute with the idea and the  willingness to see the idea through, they might be willing to support  it.


   i would say that   based upon the goals and direction of the group,  this probably  wouldn’t be a project the community service  group would take on however.

    Darian     

        

  On Feb 18, 2014, at 7:48 AM, Peter Donahue <pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com> wrote:


    Good morning everyone,

        Not only should we seek to participate in other community events but how about conducting some community service activities within the NFB. Blind people all across this nation have a need for readers and drivers. Here is an idea where the NFB and other community organizations could work together to meet this need. Mary and I have had a devil of a time trying to have our snail mail read on a regular basis and finding transportation to reach destinations not in our local transit system's service area. Even when we have offered to pay someone to read our mail or to drive us somewhere our offers have been refused. On other occasions we have been offered assistance but when we try contacting the individual who said they would read our snail mail our calls go unreturned. I'm sure there are countless stories of other blind individuals who have had a similar experience.

        Some of our chapters have talked about creating reader/driver pools in their communities but have yet to pull it off. Our Community Service Division could play a major role in making this a reality by working with the NFB Jernigan Institute, our local chapters and state affiliates. We should be able to partner with various volunteer organizations and individuals willing to provide these services to blind persons needing them. I hope this is discussed and acted upon so blind persons will have an easier time finding readers and drivers in the future.

    Peter Donahue


      ----- Original Message -----
      From: Darian
      To: Community Service Discussion List
      Sent: Monday, February 17, 2014 10:38 PM
      Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the communityservicegroup seminar at national convention


      Why specifically blind people that have had success in AmeriCorps programs in Florida?

      This electronic message has been brought to you by my mobile device.

      On Feb 17, 2014, at 6:57 PM, "Denyece Roberts, MSW, RCSW" <peace05 at comcast.net> wrote:


        Hello, I did two years in the Americorp.  Americorp main office for Florida is located in Orlando.  It would be nice to have someone from their office come and speak about some success services of blind people who have attended the program in florida.
          ----- Original Message -----
          From: Darian Smith
          To: Community Service Discussion List
          Sent: Monday, February 17, 2014 5:24 PM
          Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the community servicegroup seminar at national convention


          Hi all,
           The overall  focus will be on celebrating 20 years of AmeriCorps, and the service work that the blind have themselves contributed to the success of the program and the impact the program has had on those  who have served.
            We are inviting those  who have served in AmeriCorps programs to share  a bit about their experiences, what they’ve given, gained and the perceptions they believe  they changed of the blind. 
           This will not  constitute the entirety of the seminar, but it will have a place of prominence on the agenda. 
           we are looking into inviting service agencies to spend a few minutes  talking about their programs  and how attendees may involve themselves in service via what they have to offer.
           I believe we are targeting the following agencies: the red cross, big brothers  big sisters, habitat for humanity and hands on network. we’ll probably ask them to introduce themselves to the attendees and ask them  to table in the back of the room should individuals have further questions regarding involvement in their local communities  Hopefully we will use this opportunity to develop relationships with these agencies  that we can cultivate over the coming years. 

           Hopefully we can  delve deeper into possible partnerships with these  agencies in the future.  We could  even look into  the possibilities  this year, but  that depends on the interest a committed soul or two  has in seeing that it happens.  Unfortunately,  this can be a bit of an undertaking  and such folks are proving to be in short  supply at the moment. 
           We have had some great help in finding the agencies and AmeriCorps alumni federationests, and this has proven to be invaluable effort and results-based action that those who have  stepped up should be  proud of. 
           I’m thinking we are still a few  presenters away from this being the best seminar yet.
           We also might be electing a slate of officers and board members. If this is true we will have to make some time for this and upon completion of the meeting we will have become a division of the national federation of the blind. 
           we will see how those details work out  because we are still a ways  from convention.
            I hope this helps people help us find some great additions to the agenda 
            Best,
            Darian        
          On Feb 17, 2014, at 1:14 PM, Cheryl Fields <cherylelaine1957 at gmail.com> wrote:


            Ashly,

            Yes, I think the hands on training may work better for next year. When
            the red Cross is contacted the conversation, audio description for
            videos, could begin at that time. It may take some time to have them
            see the advantage in added it to their materials. I should have added
            that this is a long range goal.
            I want to hear about your experience, it may be valuable to hear
            before the contact is made. smiles

            Cheryl

            On 2/17/14, Ashley Bramlett <bookwormahb at earthlink.net> wrote:

              Cheryl,
              It's a good idea. I agree with you it needs registeration and limit  the
              size of the workshops so they can give you all hands on instruction more
              easily.
              However, not everyone is  open to  the commitment to do first aid or cpr
              training.
              Think of how busy convention gets.

              Time may be unavailable on either the hotel side or the convention
              participants side to do it.
              It may be easier to plan a shorter hands on service activity.

              If you do contact them, I hope red cross is open to adaptations.
              Unfortunatly, I had a bad experience attempting to volunteer in their local
              office though and volunteering did not work out. I'll write about later
              perhaps.

              If I were planning something to  do at convention, I'd probably pick the
              hygene or food kits idea instead.
              I'm just thinking about the convention group and all the things going on
              there and the wide interest areas among conventioneers.

              Ashley


              -----Original Message-----
              From: Cheryl Fields
              Sent: Monday, February 17, 2014 3:35 PM
              To: Community Service Discussion List
              Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the community
              servicegroupseminar at national convention

              Hi Everyone!

              Great ideas! The cpr and first aid classes are a wonderful idea and
              may require some registration.
              Think about working with the Red cross to provide audio description
              for all of the classes they use vvideos for. I'm not sure how
              difficult it would be, most movies are audio described and most places
              update materials on a regular basis so, it's worth asking. This would
              benefit us across the country!

              Cheryl F.

              On 2/17/14, Darian <dsmithnfb at gmail.com> wrote:

                Hi Serena,
                It sounds really cool!
                Tell me all about it! What's the name of the organization? How did you get
                involved? Why did you get involved?
                Darian

                This electronic message has been brought to you by my mobile device.


                  On Feb 16, 2014, at 8:18 AM, Serena Nickell <scnickell1980 at gmail.com>
                  wrote:

                  Hi, I recently began volunteering with an organization that helps the
                  homeless.  In addition to the above items we also give out small
                  flashlights and batteries (usually AA and AAA).
                  Serena


                  Sent from my iPhone


                    On Feb 16, 2014, at 10:09 AM, "Michelle Clark" <mcikeyc at aol.com> wrote:

                    Hi Michelle,

                    Here is a list of the items we generally add. Also, at the bottom, I
                    added a
                    draft of a letter I sent out to just people on my email list and the
                    Chapter. Hope it helps anyone who is interested in doing something like
                    this.

                    One other thing we do when we get large bottles of lotion, shampoo, ect
                    is
                    we hold them out and make up a gift type bag to give out as a special
                    gift.
                    My Church has a Christmas Party for a few local Women's Shelters and we
                    give
                    to them as well. This year, they had so much stuff left over they gave
                    the
                    rest to our Chapter!

                    Items we include:

                    1.    Wash cloths
                    2.    Soap
                    3.    Toothpaste
                    4.    Toothbrushes
                    5.    Lotion or petroleum jelly
                    6.    Shampoo
                    7.    Conditioner
                    8.    Mouthwash/non-alcoholic
                    In the past we have gotten a mixture of things such as:
                    Toilet paper
                    Mens deodorant
                    Women's deodorant
                    Sanitary items
                    Combs


                    Draft Letter:

                    Hello,

                    The National Harbor Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of
                    Maryland is a non-profit group of blind persons striving to help others
                    in
                    the   Prince Georges County area who happen to be blind and low vision.
                    We
                    help one another through advocacy, outreach, networking, and sharing.
                    Also,
                    in the vision of our National Headquarters, we not only help ourselves,
                    we
                    help others.

                    This, in our fourth year, we will continue in our outreach to others
                    with
                    a
                    toiletries drive to donate Hygiene Kits to homeless persons. As we did
                    last
                    year through an array of generous donations, we were able to give out
                    approximately 120 bags of toiletries to assist persons who   are in a
                    state
                    of homelessness. In addition, we were able to donate additional kits to
                    a
                    local church that regularly visits a shelter for women and children.

                    Since homelessness is on the rise and help is needed, our continual goal
                    is
                    to combine hygiene kits and distribute them to as many as we can. We are
                    partnering with a local non-profit agency that runs shelters and feed
                    homeless persons in Prince Georges County. They distribute these items
                    when
                    a person enters the shelters. We are asking your assistance with
                    donations
                    of toiletry items that will help us in this effort and please forward
                    this
                    message to anyone you feel will assist.

                    In specific we are asking for any combination of:
                    1.    Soap
                    2.    Shampoo
                    3.    Lotion
                    4.    Conditioner
                    5.    Toothbrushes
                    6.    Toothpaste
                    7.    Washcloths
                    8.    Mouthwash/non-alcoholic
                    9.    Socks
                    10.    Grooming items
                    11.    Sanitary items
                    12.    Any additional small item you feel a person living in the state
                    of
                    homelessness can use

                    If you and/or your organization are able to assist us in this effort,
                    please
                    let me know by contacting me directly by either email at mcikeyc at aol.com
                    or
                    via telephone at 301 583-8585 evenings or 202 720-1560 days by November
                    14th.   We will be compiling these items on the Saturday before
                    Thanksgiving. Your contribution will be tax deductable and help in the
                    lives
                    of those who are in situations other than which we live.

                    To find out more about what we do, please visit our National website at:
                    www.nfb.org or our State website at www.nfbmd.org. You may also "like"
                    us
                    as
                    the National Harbor Chapter on our new Face Book page.

                    Sincerely Yours,


                    Michelle Clark
                    President
                    National Harbor Chapter
                    National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

                    "Changing what it means to be blind in Prince Georges County!"





                    -----Original Message-----
                    From: Community-service [mailto:community-service-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
                    Behalf of Catherine Michele Mitchell
                    Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2014 9:35 AM
                    To: Community Service Discussion List
                    Cc: Community Service Discussion List
                    Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the community
                    servicegroupseminar at national convention

                    I also really like the idea of putting some kind of kits together as a
                    project at the convention.

                    I would also like to ask those of you who do this already in your
                    chapters
                    or affiliates to please email me lists of items you include in whatever
                    kit
                    you are making. I want to add materials like this to our resource bank
                    to
                    help other people do these kinds of projects.

                    Thanks, everyone!

                    Michele Mitchell
                    NFB Community Service Group
                    Research and Resource Committee Chair

                    Tupperware Consultant
                    781-790-3627
                    www.my.tupperware.com/michmitch

                    On Feb 15, 2014, at 5:01 PM, Cheryl Fields <cherylelaine1957 at gmail.com>
                    wrote:


                      I love the idea of hygene kits for the homeless. Our chapter collected
                      toiletries for a women's shelter last year, but we did not assemble
                      the items. The shelter was glad to receive the gift but we could have
                      saved them some time.
                      I will suggest this when we do it again, sounds like fun!

                      Providing a hands on opportunity for convention attendees is fantastic!

                      Cheryl

                        On 2/15/14, Denise Shaible <denise.shaible at att.net> wrote:
                        I like the idea of emergency preparedness.  I know the Red Cross has
                        some
                        information on that and we all need to know about it.  I also like the

                    idea


                        of the Red Cross providing small first aid kits.  I remember buying
                        one

                    when


                        I took my first aid class when I lived in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  I don't

                    know


                        if they would provide them but, I'm wondering if we could assemble
                        them

                    if

                        we know what we need to put in them and then we could give them to our
                        members or whoever we wish to give them to.

                        I really like the idea of having someone speak about programs to feed
                        the
                        hungry or doing a service project with a local food bank.  I don't
                        know

                    why


                        we couldn't help put bags of food together. Yes, it's an assembly
                        line

                    job


                        but, we do it at my church and we're able to feed between 50 and 100

                    persons


                        each month.  It's rewarding to know we're doing anything to help and
                        to
                        promote the fact that we want to give not just get.

                        Regards,

                        Denise

                        -----Original Message-----
                        From: Michelle Clark
                        Sent: Friday, February 14, 2014 10:21 AM
                        To: 'Community Service Discussion List'
                        Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the community
                        servicegroupseminar at national convention

                        Here in Maryland, my Chapter did reach out to the local agency and
                        they
                        provided emergency kits several years ago. As time has elapsed and

                    budgets

                        have shrunk, I find that is not happening anymore. I am thinking
                        someone
                        locally would have to initiate that?  It would be important for us to
                        get
                        the information and to tie it in with serving an external group to get

                    the

                        information as well.

                        Michelle

                        -----Original Message-----
                        From: Community-service [mailto:community-service-bounces at nfbnet.org]
                        On
                        Behalf Of Cheryl Fields
                        Sent: Friday, February 14, 2014 11:53 AM
                        To: Community Service Discussion List
                        Subject: Re: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the community
                        service
                        groupseminar at national convention

                        Hello,

                        Having the Red Cross is a great idea. In addition to the first aid,
                        ask if they provide disaster preparedness. It would be good to have
                        this information available, most people are not prepared and if they
                        need to evacuate may not know what the designated safe places are. it
                        could be taken a step further and provide back packs with most items
                        inside, if the budget allows for this.

                        Another idea is to plant a sensory garden at one of the convention
                        host hotels in Florida, since we are spending a few years there.
                        Plants  and other materials can be donated from local garden centers.

                        I happen to be working on a similar event in Cleveland and another
                        idea from 1 of our brainstorming sessions was a mural. Making it
                        visible to the community sending a clear positive message about the
                        blind. The Cleveland chapter has a on going project, we volunteer at
                        the Cleveland food Bank re packing produce for distribution and while
                        working with the food bank a community produce distribution can be
                        arranged. It is rewarding and can be lots of fun!

                        Have a great weekend and Happy Valentine's Day!

                        CherylOn 2/14/14, Denise Shaible <denise.shaible at att.net> wrote:

                          Darian,

                          We spoke sometime ago about having a Representative of the Red Cross

                    give

                        a

                          presentation on first aid.  Are you still interested in that?  Please

                    let

                        me

                          know and I'll start researching it.  Also, if you know any details
                          about

                        our

                          seminar, please send that as well.  Thanks.

                          Regards,

                          Denise

                          From: Darian Smith
                          Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2014 10:26 AM
                          To: Community Service Discussion List
                          Subject: [Community-service] Seeking ideas for the community service
                          groupseminar at national convention

                          Hi all,

                          I'm looking for some  great ideas for our seminar at National

                    convention.

                          any topics or presenters that could round out an already developing
                          and
                          exciting seminar. would be appreciated!

                          regards,

                          Darian



                          Darian Smith
                          Chairperson, Community Service Group -National Federation  of The
                          Blind.
                          (415)215-9809
                          dsmithnfb at gmail.com

                          "
                          "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the
                          only

                        ones

                          among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and

                        found

                          how to serve"
                          - Albert Schweitzer.

                          Your  unwanted vehicle can be  just what the blind need to make
                          possibilities reality.
                          Donate your car to the National Federation of the Blind today!
                          For more information, please visit: www.carshelpingtheblind.org or
                          call
                          1-855-659-9314

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          Darian Smith
          Chairperson, Community Service Group -National Federation  of The Blind.
          (415)215-9809
          dsmithnfb at gmail.com


          “
           "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve”
           - Albert Schweitzer.
            
           Your  unwanted vehicle can be  just what the blind need to make possibilities reality.    
            Donate your car to the National Federation of the Blind today!
            For more information, please visit: www.carshelpingtheblind.org or call 1-855-659-9314













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